Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
(PRMS) is
a rare form of MS that is characterized by a steady increase in
disability, along with exacerbations and remissions,
that are not as drastic as those that are seen with the majority of
cases of Relapsing and Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Because it is so rare, not as much is known or understood about Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.
Just after a relapse, or exacerbation, in Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)
there is an improvement in symptoms, but the plateaus between
exacerbations are not as lengthy as is reported to occur with most
cases of Primary Progressive MS. However, there is a general worsening of the symptoms during the time between relapses. Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis does not go though extended plateaus like the majority of the cases of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis do.
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
attacks and damages the nerves throughout the Central Nervous System,
which include the Brain, the Spinal cord and the nerves throughout the
body, even when there are times where symptoms do not occur to signal
that the nerve damage is continuing to progress and worsen the
resulting disability.
Relapses
or flare ups occur periodically followed by partial or full recovery,
but in spite of it appearing that the recovery was total, the nerve
damage continues to progress and symptoms continuing to become
increasingly disabling.
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis affects around 5% of those that have been diagnosed with MS. Some neurologists
believe that Progressive Relapsing MS is a more advanced form of the Primary
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, although this has not been confirmed.
